Daily News Wrap

Entain taken to court by regulators over anti-money laundering

The Entain Australia group, who own Ladbrokes and Neds, will face civil proceedings from Australian government regulators, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), who allege they are failed their legal obligations in relation to anti-money laundering. AUSTRAC alleges Entain Australia had “serious and systemic non-compliance” with Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws.

“We have co-operated fully with AUSTRAC throughout its investigation and we are implementing further enhancements to Entain Australia's AML and CTF compliance arrangements,” Entain CEO Gavin Isaacs told abc.net.au.

“Whilst we still have some further improvements to make, we expect these to be implemented in line with the plan we communicated to AUSTRAC in 2023. We are committed to keeping financial crime out of gambling and continue to play our part in supporting a well-regulated and compliant sector for our customers, stakeholders and the wider community.”

Caulfield fire causes Blue Diamond lead-ups to move

The Melbourne Racing Club announced on Tuesday that Sandown will now host the Blue Diamond Preview meeting on January 25. “The Club is working closely with the local council to meet all necessary requirements to ensure a safe and prompt resumption of racing at Caulfield,” the statement said.

“After careful consultation with Racing Victoria, and with the best interests of our members, industry participants, and racegoers in mind, the Club has made the following adjustments to upcoming race meetings: The Caulfield Heath Twighlight race meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, will now take place at Mornington Racecourse. The Tile Importer Caulfield Australia Day meeting on Saturday, January 25, will be held at Sportsbet Sandown.

“The Club is committed to keeping everyone updated on our progress as we work tirelessly to complete the necessary repairs and ensure Caulfield Racecourse is safe and operational.”

Delay suits Bauhinia for Magic Millions Guineas

Co-trainer Cherie Curtis was pleased when the races were called off on Saturday. “I was very happy they called them off, Lee and I had just saddled our other runner, Bacio Del Mist, she was under a holding pattern, we were just watching the rain come down,” Curtis, who trains R. Listed Magic Millions Guineas-bound 3-year-old filly Bauhinia (Hellbent) in partnership with husband, Lee, told racenet.com.au.

“We watched the first three races, there was a clear bias, hard fence, in front, which wouldn't have worked in Bauhinia's favour at all. We were actually saying ‘please hurry up and call this'. We would rather our horses not have raced on that and still have the opportunity to race for that kind of money, rather than having run on it and then being disappointed because the horse didn't get a fair chance at it.”

Manaajem to prove stakes ability

Trainer Peter Snowden would like 3-year-old filly Manaajem (Tassort) to show she’s destined for stakes company when she runs at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday. “She won quite well at Wyong, it was good to see her win like that first-up,” Snowden told racingnsw.com.au. Manaajem won on her raceday debut.

“She’s drawn a little bit awkward, the 1100-metre start isn’t an easy one, but it’s a nice race for her. It’s a nice progression and if she’s going to go where we think she will you’ve got to be able to win races like that. I’ll probably only give her another one then give her a breather. She’s had a few little issues along the way so we’ll take our time with her. She’s definitely got potential and always showed us black type ability in her work.”

A homebred for Emirates Park, Manaajem is a half-sister to seven-figure yearling and Group 3 winner Charm Stone (I Am Invincible) and Listed winner Najmaty (I Am Invincible).

History repeats for Alabama Lass

Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso are hoping history will repeat for their stable when 3-year-old filly Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) runs against the older horses in the G1 Auckland Railway S. on January 25. “She was very unlucky in the (NZ) 1000 Guineas and we have set her for the Railway, and she gets in with 52 kilos. That’s the plan at this stage all going well,” Kelso told Loveracing.nz.

“It is very similar to what we did with Bounding, she actually ran second in the 1000 Guineas as well.” Kelso trained Bounding (Lonhro) to win the G1 Railway after being second in the G1 NZ 1000 Guineas.

Around the Nation: Tuesday’s highlights

With Emerald in Queensland abandoned, there were only two meetings in Australia. At Dubbo, 3-year-old gelding Needing Attention (Zousain) made it two wins in succession from his five starts to date.

Half-brothers hard to split in Cup

Trainer Darryn Weatherley will run half-brothers 6-year-old gelding Ess Vee Are (NZ) (Shocking) and 5-year-old gelding Arby (NZ) (Proisir) in Saturday’s G3 Wellington Cup and can’t split the pair. They are the second and third foals of Reiveke (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). “Both these boys, they’re half-brothers and are just out-and-out stayers,” Weatherley told Loveracing.nz.

“At the two miles, I think they will eat up the ground, but I’m hoping that will be on good footing. The weather is looking okay, so if we can get between that 4-6 range, it’ll be right up their alley. I can’t separate them, on Arby’s run at Ellerslie and Ess Vee Are’s history at Wellington. It’s a hard race to win, but it would certainly be a thrill if one of them could put their hand up. I’m looking forward to it.

Gallery: The Darryn Weatherley-trained half-brothers going head-to-head in the G3 Wellington Cup on Saturday

“The owners were my first clients, they are family friends of ours and own the mare (Reiveke). They bred both of these horses, Ess Vee Are by Shocking and then Proisir for the other boy. We are very fortunate to have them on board. We’ve got two out of the mare both by Vadamos, one is a 3-year-old who finished second at his first trial, and the other is a 2-year-old filly, she’s had a couple of jump-outs and is just coming back into work. She’s showing the family promise as well.”

Spangle to dodge young opponent

California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) will dodge Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) and the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup over 1200 metres in favour of the G1 Stewards’ Cup over a mile this weekend. “As horses get older they lose their early speed and we’re finding at 1200 metres the other horses are much too fast for him now. He’s not as fast as when he was young,” trainer Tony Cruz told scmp.com

As for a return trip to Dubai to defend his title in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, “Last season he won the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup before going to Dubai and if he wins that again we will think about going. We will enter the Al Quoz Sprint but going is another thing. If he can win that race it will show his form is at a level that will make it worthwhile going.”

Pair of US$700,000 mares top Day 1 at Keeneland January

The Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale opened with the first of its three sessions Monday and figures at the end of the day were well ahead of the pace set during the opening session of its four-day 2024 renewal. “It was a good, solid day,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “I think it was a continuation of November in large part. We saw good, solid trade for quality horses.”

For the session, 200 horses sold for US$18,087,000 (AU$29 million) for an average of US$90,435 (AU$145,000) – up 11.11 per cent from last year's opening session – and a median of US$65,000 (AU$105,000), which increased a whopping 103.13 per cent from 2024.

Adrian Wallace of Coolmore, bidding on behalf of David Nagle's Barronstown Stud, went to a co-session topping US$700,000 (AU$1.13 million) to acquire Pretty Birdie (USA) (Bird Song {USA}). The 6-year-old mare, in foal to Candy Ride (Arg), was consigned by Gainesway on behalf of the estate of John Hendrickson. Winner of the 2021 G3 Schuylerville S., she had sold for US$1.1 million (AU$1.77 million) at the 2024 Keeneland November sale, but was returned after she was observed cribbing.

Three Chimneys Farm bought out partner William Lawrence on G3 Old Forester Mint Julep S. winner Delahaye (USA) (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) with a US$700,000 (AU$1.13 million) bid late into the supplemental catalogue Monday. The 5-year-old mare was consigned by Four Star Sales as agent.

Inglis Digital USA to contain PA breds

The catalogue for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA February Sale will feature a selection of Pennsylvania-bred offerings, presented by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA). The auction will take place Wednesday, February 12 (USA Eastern time).

“We've been using Inglis Digital USA for the past few years with success,” said PHBA executive secretary Brian Sanfratello. “It gives our breeders the opportunity to offer their horses without all the costs incurred at a regular sale. Inglis is easy to work with and does a great job of advertising to prospective buyers.”

Dam of Group 2 winner in Arqana Online

The catalogue is now available for the Arqana January Online Sale, which is scheduled to take place between the hours of 3pm and 5pm (local time) on Monday, January 20. A potential highlight of the sale is the Monsun (Ger) mare North Sun (Ger), who will be offered by Gestüt Schlenderhan in foal to Torquator Tasso (Ger). The 12-year-old is the dam of three winners from four runners to date, including the G2 Grosser Preis der Badischen Wirtschaft hero Northern Ruler (Ger) (Ruler Of The World {Ire}).

The catalogue also features a 1/100th share in the Haras d'Etreham stallion Persian King (Ire)–the sire of 15 individual juvenile winners in Europe from last year's first crop–which entitles the purchaser to one covering per year.

UK Thoroughbred Employee Award finalists announced

The 18 finalists for the 2025 renewal of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, were announced on Monday.

Now in their 21st year, the awards recognise and reward the skill, passion and commitment of the extraordinary people working across the British racing and breeding industry. The finalists will now head to York Racecourse on Monday, February 24 for the last round of judging and the prestigious ceremony, where the six category winners and overall Employee of the Year will be crowned.

Brant Dunshea, acting chief executive of the BHA, said, “My sincere congratulations to this year's finalists. This is a wonderful accomplishment and deserved recognition for your contribution to British racing and breeding. I know how tough the judging process was this year, with some seriously strong competition, so our finalists and shortlisted nominees should all be very proud of what you have achieved.”